Anatomy Basics

Anatomy

• Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body, including systems, organs, and tissues.
• It involves the study of:
  • Appearance of various parts
  • Materials from which they are composed
  • Locations
  • Relationships with other parts

Branches of Anatomy

• Gross anatomy: study of structures that can be seen macroscopically without the use of a microscope
• Microscopic anatomy (histology): study of cells and tissues using a microscope

Reference Anatomical Position

• The human body is regarded as:
  • Standing with the mouth closed
  • Eyes looking forward
  • Arms by the sides
  • Palms of the hands and the toes directed forward
• This position is used for descriptive purposes

Anatomical Regions

• The surface of the body is divided into regions for descriptive purposes, including:
  • Head and neck
  • Thorax
  • Abdomen
  • Upper extremity
  • Lower extremity

Anatomical Terms

• Terms used to describe the position of a structure in relation to other structures, including:
  • Cranial: towards the head
  • Caudal: towards the feet
  • Medial: close to the midline of the body
  • Lateral: far from the midline of the body
  • Superior: above something
  • Inferior: below something
  • Proximal: close to the trunk or point of origin
  • Distal: far from the trunk or point of origin
  • Anterior: in front of something
  • Posterior: behind something
  • Palmar: anterior surface of the hand (palm of the hand)
  • Dorsum of hand: posterior surface of hand
  • Plantar: inferior surface of the foot (sole of foot)
  • Dorsum of foot: superior surface of foot

Understand the basics of anatomy, including its definition, components, and types such as gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy. Learn about the structure and composition of the human body.